Is the World Cup actually coming 'home'?

Harry Kane is the front runner for the FIFA World Cup 2018 Golden Boot award

Although it has been only two days since the beginning of FIFA Knockout stages, it seems as if the World Cup has seen it all. On the first day of FIFA World Cup 2018 Round of 16, we saw both Messi’s Argentina and Ronaldo’s Portugal crash out of the tournament to France and Uruguay respectively. While we were still recovering from the shocks of Saturday, Sunday’s action saw Spain crash out in what was a monumental upset by hosts Russia. While Spain’s elimination has send shock waves across the world, we look at a much larger picture we have this year in Russia. With the 2010 champions out of the race, England now have a ‘clear’ path to the finals. Of course, it’s easier said than done, but Gareth Southgate’s men will definitely feel like this time might actually be theirs. Let’s take a look at how the two teams line up before we make our FIFA World Cup Round of 16 prediction:

When the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 draw was decided, it became pretty clear that it was awfully uneven. While France, Argentina, Uruguay, Portugal, Brazil and Belgium fell on the left side, only Spain and England were the two big teams on the right. But now with Spain out of the fray, if England were to win their match against Colombia, they will be facing Sweden/Switzerland in the quarter final and either Russia or Croatia in the semi finals.

If this wasn’t motivation enough, we don’t know what else would be. England who are chasing the ultimate prize in International Football might never get a chance better than this. After winning their only World Cup trophy way back in 1966, England’s young prospects have a chance at rewriting history but first they need to go through Colombia.

In no way is the South American team considered ‘weak.’ After qualifying for the quarter finals in 2014, Colombia will be determined to better their record and maybe have a chance at going all the way. Players such as James Rodriguez, Radamel Falcao, Juan Cuadrado provide that ammunation for the Colombians going forward. Surprisingly they look a much stronger defensively than 2014, players like Davinson Sanchez and Yerry Mina have been walls at the back and will be a test for the English players tonight.

England on the other hand have everything working for them so far. Their captain Harry Kane is in fine form and is leading the Golden Boot race. Supporting him are Jesse Lingard, Dele Alli and Raheem Sterling who all have been vital in England’s World Cup campaign so far. At the back, with Tripper and Walker playing together, Southgate has every reason to believe that they can go far in the tournament. But will they up to the Colombian challenge? Here’s our FIFA World Cup 2018 Round of 16 match predictions:

FIFA World Cup 2018 match predictions: Colombia vs England

This is definitely going to be a very interesting affair and judging by the way the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 matches have gone so far, tonight’s match will be edge-of-the-seat entertainment. But England should back themselves to see off the Colombian challenge, just because of the talent that is at their disposal. And the best part is that England hasn’t even hit the grooves yet. There’s still a lot to improve and tonight’s fixture could well be that turning point. Draw seems to be the most likely scenario according to popular bookmakers Bet365 with odds of 9:14, while England have odds of 11:10, Colombia are facing heavy odds of 31:10.